weakened over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weakened over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decline in strength, effectiveness, or intensity of something throughout a period. Example: "The bond between the two friends had weakened over time due to their busy lives and lack of communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

One of the implications of failing to engage with the complexity of micro-level health systems is highlighted by our finding that administrative accountability in three of the four ART clinics in this study actually weakened over time.

BMC Health Services Research

Historically, during previous Opec production curbs, compliance has weakened over time.

The Guardian - Business

The other dogs, weakened over time, were sacrificed for meat to sustain the remaining ones and the men.

The New York Times - Science

However, promising strategy patterns weakened over time due to shallow strategy development, which also negatively impacted the efficacy of the system.

Computers & Education

Indeed, our data confirm this expectation: while children growing up with a single mother used to favor cohabitations over marriages, this effect weakened over time until it disappeared entirely in the late 1990s.

Princeton University

Their sentences have not been revealed, but are believed to be between 18 years and death.The case against the Britons seemed weak to begin with, and has weakened over time.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Mr. Sinofsky's bridge to Mr. Ballmer began to weaken over time.

The New York Times - Tech

Trying to switch genes on and off is even more difficult, and such switches tend to weaken over time.

The New York Times

Structural columns in engineering practice may weaken over time as a result of corrosion, erosion, impact, fatigue cracking or similar effects that reduce their effective cross-section.

Structures

In addition, continuously reinforced concrete pavements may weaken over time as a result of corrosion, erosion, shrinkage, fatigue cracking or the like, and in these instances the weakened pavement can also be considered as being semi-infinite with a joint.

Engineering Structures

Dokras worked with a couple who lost a daughter to spinal muscular atrophy, a condition that causes the body's muscles to weaken over time.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weakened over time" to describe abstract concepts like relationships, influence, or strategies, not just physical objects.

Common error

Avoid using "weakened over time" when the context already implies a gradual decline. For instance, saying "the old bridge weakened over time" is less impactful than simply stating "the old bridge weakened," as bridges inherently weaken with age.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weakened over time" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adverbial phrase. It describes a process where something's strength, effectiveness, or intensity diminishes gradually. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weakened over time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a gradual decline in strength, effectiveness, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. This phrase appears frequently across various contexts, including Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business, with neutral formality. When using "weakened over time", it's important to consider the context to avoid redundancy and ensure precise communication. Alternative phrases like "deteriorated gradually" or "diminished progressively" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deteriorated gradually

Emphasizes a slow decline in quality or condition.

diminished progressively

Focuses on the step-by-step reduction in size, amount, or intensity.

eroded slowly

Highlights the wearing away or disintegration over an extended period.

lessened incrementally

Stresses the small, consistent decreases that accumulate over time.

faded gradually

Suggests a slow loss of color, vibrancy, or impact.

declined steadily

Indicates a consistent downward trend over a period.

attenuated gradually

Emphasizes the reduction in force or intensity over time.

degenerated slowly

Focuses on the decline in moral or physical condition over an extended period.

worsened progressively

Stresses the step-by-step increase in severity or negativity.

lapsed incrementally

Highlights the gradual decline into a less active or effective state.

FAQs

How can I use "weakened over time" in a sentence?

You can use "weakened over time" to describe a gradual decline in strength or effectiveness, such as "The case against him "weakened over time" due to lack of evidence."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "weakened over time"?

Some alternatives include "deteriorated gradually", "diminished progressively", or "eroded slowly", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to include "over time" when describing something weakening?

No, it's not always necessary. Whether to include "over time" depends on whether you want to emphasize the gradual nature of the weakening. If it's already implied, it can be omitted for conciseness.

What's the difference between "weakened over time" and "deteriorated over time"?

"Weakened over time" generally refers to a loss of strength or effectiveness, while "deteriorated over time" suggests a decline in quality or condition. The choice depends on what aspect of decline you want to emphasize.